Klaw

(1:04 PM)

Any opposing PA announcer who fails to play Vanilla Ice when Trevor Bauer is pitching is not doing his job.

Nate (Buffalo, NY)

Thoughts on Rangers prospect Joey Gallo? 22 homers in just over 200 ab's. Will he hit enough to be more than just a power bat?

Klaw

(1:05 PM)

Didn't make my top 100 because there's a lot of swing and miss in there, including fastballs in the zone, something I usually find pretty scary (e.g., Michael Choice). I'd like to see Gallo close that hole a little before buying into the rest of the package.

Sean (Phoenix)

Reports are that Skaggs added 10-20 lbs in the offseason. Obviously, he's young and still has/had room to fill out. Is there anything good/bad to take away from this?

Klaw

(1:07 PM)

Doesn't surprise me. Had the room on his frame. Should help him with durability.

Klaw

(1:08 PM)

Colorado just acquired Reid Brignac for a PTBNL.

Dylan (Ohio)

What are your thoughts on Indians prospect Francisco Lindor? With Kipnis and Cabrera in the fold in their infield, plus a loaded minors infield with Lindor, Paulino, Ramirez, Wolters, etc., what do you expect the Indians to do with all that infield depth?

Klaw

(1:09 PM)

Cabrera will be long gone before that infield depth starts to matter in the majors. I have Lindor as a top 10 prospect in the game because he can hit, has a great eye, plays great defense, and I think he'll develop into a legitimate switch-hitter in time. That's a star, and if that happens, they'll figure out the rest of it later on.

Chris (CA)

rank for the long term, Scott Sizemore, Grant Green, Jemile Weeks

Klaw

(1:09 PM)

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Max (STL)

hey, what are your thoughts on Michael Wacha so far?

Klaw

(1:13 PM)

I'm inclined to throw out what he did last summer, since he was working as a glorified reliever and, as you might expect, saw his velocity spike. His curveball, a fringy pitch all spring, was a lot better in pro ball, but I think that may also have been a function of working in shorter stints where he could air it out a little more on every pitch. If the curveball improvement is real, and holds even when he's going 100 pitches every fifth day, he's a possible #2 starter. If not, he's more like a league-average guy, not that that's a bad thing either.

Dan Sandker (Brooklyn)

Do you think the Mets had a right to file a grievance regarding their draft pick? A rule is a rule, right?

Klaw

(1:14 PM)

A rule is a rule, and this one was collectively bargained. If you don't like it, bring it up in the next negotiation. Or, even better, sever the tie between free agents and the draft entirely.

Mitch (chicago)

had a chance to see Brett Jackson's re-worked swing?

Klaw

(1:15 PM)

You forgot the scare quotes around "re-worked." That's "best shape of my life" territory. Anyway, I won't go see any spring training stuff until the games start. That's when it matters.

Kyle (College Station)

Who do you see as the front runner for the Astros to draft at No. 1?

Klaw

(1:15 PM)

I'd still say Appel, edging out Manaea.

JT (Battlecreek, Michigan)

Lil Wayne mocked Emmett Till in a recent song. This month. Do you miss when rap when a little more, well, socially progressive? Pardon me; I need to shake my fist at the local kids on my lawn.

Klaw

(1:16 PM)

Is that true? Wow. Not that I was a Lil' Wayne fan, but that's embarrassing.

Justin (Oak Park)

Bonus question on swing: any evidence that a shorter swing leads to a decrease in power? Or is it assumed that a change in hand motion does not necessarily change core/leg power?

Klaw

(1:16 PM)

Anecdotal evidence, I'd say, but yes.

Josef (LA)

When do you expect Yasiel Puig to join the big club? Is it possible he has a Cespedes-like impact? I'm sorry to lump both Cuban OF in the same boat, but with knowing very little about either player, I went ahead and did it anyway....

Klaw

(1:17 PM)

Don't think he's like Cespedes, who was a more advanced hitter and a better overall athlete. I think Puig starts no higher than AA, probably back to high-A.

Mike Buckley (Oakland)

What's your take on the longer-term contribution that Chris Carter can offer to the Astros? Sometimes his footwork at 1B seems like he's stuck in a vat of donut dough or black tar, but he does have flashes of power offensively - should be dangerous in Houston's band-box. I'm glad he ran out of Oakland, brother.

Klaw

(1:17 PM)

Good park for him, and I guess they could just DH him (he's not a bad athlete, just huge). Thought it was a solid pickup.

Zapp (SC)

Does Hosmer's troubles last year lower his potential ceiling for you? I know you hate comparisons, but in 2011 people were saying he could have Votto-like MVP production; is that now out of the picture?

Klaw

(1:18 PM)

I believe it was mechanical, not skill-based, and thus can be reversed. I still think he becomes an MVP candidate.

Nate (Pittsburgh)

Noticed Profar wasn't in your top 20 impact prospects for this year. Is he just a September call-up?

Klaw

(1:19 PM)

I don't see where he gets playing time unless Andrus gets hurt.

Yitzy Sipzner (Boro Park)

Braves in 2013? Who else can beat them?

Klaw

(1:19 PM)

The Nationals come to mind.

Andrew (Toronto)

What do you find the easiest attribute to scout when you're looking at prospects?

Klaw

(1:20 PM)

Fastball velocity. The radar gun tells you that. Doesn't make you much of a scout on its own, though.

Chris (Endicott)

Is this Anthony Rendon's final spring training at 3B?

Klaw

(1:20 PM)

Or is it Ryan Zimmerman's?

Jeff (Sacramento)

What's on the K. Law menu tonight for Valentine's Day?

Klaw

(1:21 PM)

Nothing special tonight - taking the wife to lunch today instead, and I made her a double-chocolate layer cake with dark chocolate ganache frosting the other night as a combo birthday/V-day cake.

Bill (Chicago)

Difference between Hak-Ju Lee and Carlos Sanchez? I saw one made your top 100 and one just missed.

Klaw

(1:21 PM)

Lee's a better runner and defender.

Eric (SF)

So Brandon Crawford had a WAR of 2.3 with a AVG of 250 and OPS of 650 in 2012, does his bat have enough development left to reach 265-270 with an OPS of 750 or is this pretty much his ceiling?

Klaw

(1:22 PM)

This is it, and I see that more as an indictment of shortstops in general than of Crawford really being worth that much.

Joe (CA)

On a scale of 1 to Delmon Young in the outfield, how ridiculous is this Bauer "diss track"

Klaw

(1:23 PM)

It's Michael Young at third base and hitting second.

Mikey (MD)

We demand a new podcast! (by demand, we mean, request nicely)

Klaw

(1:23 PM)

Put the kitten down, Mikey.

Joe (Chicago)

What do you think the Yankees should do with Corey Black? Rotation or Bullpen?

Klaw

(1:23 PM)

I believe he's a pen guy all the way.

D. Sims (206)

Thoughts on Carlos Peguero?

Klaw

(1:24 PM)

I still can't believe he isn't the Willie Stargell of that team.

Charles (San Jose)

Call you tell me how close Didi Gregorius came to your top 100? I'm still trying to believe in Kevin Towers' proclamations of his ability.

Klaw

(1:24 PM)

Was not a consideration at all. I do not believe he'll hit.

Kim Last (Brooklyn)

Jose Ramirez a realistic option for the NYY?

Klaw

(1:25 PM)

Has to stay healthy. Huge stuff. Never healthy for more than a few months at a time.

JPF (Brooklyn)

What is missing in defensive metrics formulas?

Klaw

(1:26 PM)

Grit.

TG (DC)

Interested in your take on Juan Carlos Linares. 4A?

Klaw

(1:26 PM)

Yep.

Cris E (St Paul, MN)

How do you factor in TJ surgery for prospects? Is no biggie or a matter of waiting to see how he comes out of it?

Klaw

(1:26 PM)

I like to see the guys come back in some fashion before ranking them as highly as I did before.

Justin (Boston)

Heard a rumor about the Sox trying out Bogaerts at 3b. Any validity to this? How much does it hurt his rank?

Klaw

(1:26 PM)

That's because he's slated to play 3b for Team Netherlands.

Steven (Kingsport)

In regards to the Bauer diss track, kind of think both Bauer and Montero have come off as childish and unprofessional. Just my opinion.

Klaw

(1:27 PM)

Not just your opinion. I think most people in the business see it that way. Bauer's move was worse - he had the high road open to him and chose not to take it, plus, no one wants to hear him 'rap.'

John (Chicago)

Is Carlos Sanchez worthy of all the hype coming out of Chicago, or are people here just so fed up with Beckham they want to believe he's the answer at 2nd?

Mike (DC)

Do you think Brian Goodwin eventually replaces Span in CF?

Klaw

(1:28 PM)

I do.

Klaw

(1:29 PM)

Back to Carlos Sanchez, I think he could be a solid-average regular, not a star. That's still a good thing, though. And if he gets 500 AB he'll be a ROY candidate.

Jim (Akron)

Yeah but Bauer's rap video was from December!! In all seriousness, does Bauer grab a spot in the Indians' rotation this year? Lots of holes in that rotation.

Klaw

(1:30 PM)

I think so. Has to win the spot in March but he's so much more talented than the alternatives, I think he's the favorite.

Morgan (Baltimore)

Klaw, your chat seems to have the momentum of a runaway freight train. Why are you so popular?

Klaw

(1:30 PM)

Dental plan.

John (Georgia )

If the Cards are in contention by the All Star break do you think they make a move for a pitcher, middle infield help, or both?

Klaw

(1:31 PM)

They've got pitching, and they've got Wong at 2b. They're well positioned to be able to fill holes with internal solutions.

Mike The Tiger (Baton Rouge)

Coming to the Box this year to see LSU, Klaw? Who you looking out for down here?

Klaw

(1:33 PM)

Planning on it. I believe they host Ole Miss, so I could get Eades vs Wall and another look at Jacoby Jones, who has top-10 talent but hasn't performed yet.

Wil Myers (Triple-A)

I'm going to hit 25 homeruns this year and not even play in April. Shouldn't I have been in the top 5.

Klaw

(1:34 PM)

You might not come up till June.

Mark Appel (Pittsburgh(JK))

I made the right decision not signing with the Pirates last year didn't I.

Klaw

(1:34 PM)

I think this is going to work out fine for you.

Chris (Endicott)

Seems like most to all of the Marlins prospects are a year or two away. I'm concerned with just how bad that will make them this season. Are we looking at an all time terrible team this season?

Klaw

(1:34 PM)

We are - in Houston.

Andrew (San Diego)

Any thoughts on the trade the Yanks/Mariners just did? Either Kelley or Almonte make an impact in 2013?

Klaw

(1:35 PM)

Kelley's a good short reliever, righty specialist type, as long as he's healthy. Almonte's an org player.

Ed (Chicago)

Is Chapman's fastball the best you've ever seen?

Klaw

(1:35 PM)

It's the hardest I've ever seen. That's not always the same thing, though.

Lance (Terre Haute)

When are you coming down to Terre Haute, IN to get a look at Manaea?

Klaw

(1:35 PM)

Might try to get him in Minneapolis next month so I can see Windle as well.

jeremy (MD)

will gio be suspended?

Klaw

(1:37 PM)

I'm going with no. I don't think any of these guys ends up suspended, except possibly A-Rod if MLB decides he was some sort of ringleader.

Chris (Minneapolis)

I realize it's early, but what are your thoughts about Jacob Gatewood, from the 2014 draft class?

Klaw

(1:37 PM)

He and Alex Jackson are the two HS kids I've seen for 2014 who both stood out as possible top-10 talents. Really exciting.

Jerry Richardson (Charlotte)

Is it strange that a billionaire like myself just asked North Carolina for $200M in tax increases so the state could pay for upgrades to my 17 year old stadium? Were not asking tourists to pay for it either, rather, the state would just increase the food tax out here so locals would have the privilege of paying for it.

Klaw

(1:38 PM)

Strange? No. Ethical? No.

Justin (Texas)

Any H.S. pitchers in consideration for 1-1

Klaw

(1:38 PM)

No. Kohl Stewart was the top HS arm, but he's hurt, and I don't think he was a 1-1 candidate anyway.

Fred (NYC)

Your thoughts on JO Berrios? I know he's fresh out of HS but in his small sample size of pro ball, he seemed pretty advanced relative to the competition he was facing. Do you envision him developing faster than the typical HS draftee in 2012?

Klaw

(1:39 PM)

I've mentioned this before, but his size, lack of FB plane, and arm action are all negatives for me that limit my enthusiasm. Love the control and he does have very good stuff across the board.

Adam Gross (NY)

Did you ever scout Tom Koehler?

Klaw

(1:39 PM)

Yes. Could be someone's fifth starter. Maybe a 0.5 WAR guy.

Mark (Boston)

Who was the best High School Prospect from New England in the last 10 years?

Klaw

(1:39 PM)

Jeff Allison.

Chuck (Philly)

Did the Phillies wrong you in any way? The constant shots you take at them go well beyond simple analysis and opinion.

Klaw

(1:40 PM)

Did I hurt your widdle feewings? Get over it. I dish it out to all clubs.

Brandon (Sarasota, FL)

Is Jameis Winston a pro caliber baseball player? FSU is planning on using in in CF and as their closer this year, which seems like a lot to put on a frosh who is splitting his time between 2 sports.

Klaw

(1:41 PM)

Maybe. Has the raw ability. Not sure he's that advanced as a player. I'm glad he went to school, though - he needed that kind of development before going pro.

Jeff (NY, NY)

So the Rays are the 1 team that went over the international signing limit. What a good job MLB did in limiting the spending of those big market teams.

Klaw

(1:41 PM)

Yep. Don't want the Rays to surmount any of the inherent disadvantages of their situation.

brad (nj)

Keith do scouts take into consideration the potential for latin american prospects to falsify their age? For example how much of a decline in his prospect status be if we found out that Oscar Tavares is actually 2-3 years older than stated?

Klaw

(1:42 PM)

Recently signed guys have to verify their ages to a much more thorough extent than players did ten or fifteen years ago.

Mike The Tiger (Baton Rouge)

Raph Rhymes not on your radar? I know he may lack the tools but hitting .500 in the SEC has to at least get him drafted right?

Klaw

(1:42 PM)

Got drafted last year in the thirtysomethingth round. Bad swing, LF only.

David (DC)

Pequero and Stargell? So you think there's a chance he can still learn to hit a curveball?

Klaw

(1:43 PM)

Inside joke. Peguero stinks.

Matt (Chicago)

Chuck from Philly makes me wonder....what are the worst fan bases as far as thinking you have some unspoken hatred of them, based only on your analysis of their prospects?

Klaw

(1:43 PM)

Varies by year, depending on the rankings.

Matt (Steinway)

For years I've seen people in sabr circles discussing what kind of performance a team made up of entirely replacement level players would have, and now with the Astros we get to see this in action! Aren't you excited?

Klaw

(1:44 PM)

My daughter would be thrilled to see someone testing a hypothesis (HT: Dinosaur Train).

Chris (Cape Cod)

Keith, I like Brooke as a chef and she's super cute, but enough already with the fears and tears, no?

Klaw

(1:44 PM)

Talking to the wrong guy on that one. Anxiety and panic disorder are real things.

Adam (Dallas)

My boss is telling me that Ryan Howard is the best 1B in the NL- should I go ahead and quit now?

Klaw

(1:45 PM)

Nah, lots of people are smarter than their bosses. Doesn't that explain the popularity of "The Office?"

Yinka Double Dare (Chicago)

Thoughts on Top Chef last night? No surprise who won the challenges, but I was surprised that everyone had a major error in their elimination dish at this stage of the competition.

Klaw

(1:45 PM)

I think they played up the quail issue a little bit through editing. The elimination surprised me. I'm about half done with my recap and will post it later today.

Lauren Ganz (Santa Fe)

Valentine's day (baseball related) gift idea for my boyfriend?

Klaw

(1:47 PM)

A year of Insider? Or a year of MLB.TV? How about both?

JR (Vegas)

When did pretty much every restaurant, both chain and non-chain, decide that there are only approximately 5 or 6 items that kids will eat (hot dog, hamburger, chicken strips, pepperoni pizza). Why can't they just offer smaller sizes of their specialty dishes to, you know, maybe expose kids to something else?

Klaw

(1:48 PM)

Totally agree. We usually look first to the appetizers/starters menu before resorting to the kids' menu.

Mike C ((Little Falls, NY))

I usually chime in here with nitpicky Mets questions but I just wanted to thank you for standing up for the legitimacy of anxiety-panic spectrum disorders, sir. I struggle with one myself and I know that it is no laughing matter. Thank you for helping fight the stigma.

Klaw

(1:49 PM)

You're welcome. Just for that I'll lay off the Mets' outfield for the rest of the chat.

Klaw

(1:50 PM)

OK, chat's over. Thanks for all the questions. I'll try to do another one next week around my travel schedule. If you're in Oklahoma City, I will be there this weekend at parts of all three OU games Friday and Saturday (when not watching Jonathan Denney). Hope to see a few of you there.